The image and alleged theories about a imminent announcement of the 5D3/5Dx appeared on many dedicated Internet sites, to to mention the buzz on Twitter. However, things are not that sure as they may seem.

This is one of the best post about the upcoming 5DMk3 I have ever read. It has been written by Tony Hart and, let me say it, it catches the points most of us are concerned about. The article is rather long and detailed and can be read here. However, I want to list some of the most important points.

An option to allow for permanently illuminated AF points. While shooting a pitch black dance floor in AF Servo mode, sometimes it can be hard to figure out exactly what your AF point is resting on. Frankly, when it’s that dark it’s improbable that the AF is going to lock on anyway, but it’d be great to be able to turn the red illumination on full-time to make it easier to spot the live AF point.

Proper Auto-ISO. An Auto ISO system that allowed for the setting of maximum/minimum shutter speed and aperture would be hugely welcome.

An integrated AF illuminator would be a blessing also. Often I want to shoot a dance floor by ambient light or using off camera strobes. The camera can handle the light conditions but the AF tracking is poor as the contrast available is limited/moving. I could pop a 580EXII on the hotshot but I’d rather have a radio trigger on there. Some sort of full-time tracking support for AF Servo as well as One Shot would seriously rock.

A more ergonomic grip. I shoot my 5DII’s with grips all the time, mostly because I prefer the balance and I can’t shoot straight verticals without them! As I said above, I really like the ergonomics of the 5DII – it’s one of the things that’s kept me with Canon over Nikon as it happens – but the grip/body integration could use improvement. At present, it’s a bit of a block, some sculpting here wouldn’t go amiss.

Integrated flash commander, preferably via some sort of radio. This is rumoured to be in a new 590EX speedlite, so hopefully we’ll see it in the 5D replacement as well.

Wi-Fi connectivity. This’ll never happen. Canon are far too entrenched in the business model of making shed loads of money selling overpriced WFT grips. Nonetheless it’d be nice!

Shorter mirror black out. Many people say that the 5DII can’t be used for sport photography. They’re wrong. I’ve used it very successfully, but the mirror blackout does make it tricky at times.

Faster fps. See above!

Locking Mode selector switch. This was added as a retrofitted upgrade for the 5DII, I hope it’ll be standard issue on the new model. Nothing worse than bringing the camera up to the eye only to find it’s entered green square mode.

Get rid of the stupid two-stage ‘on’ switch. I always want to use the thumbwheel. ALWAYS. Stop offering me the option to turn it off by mistake. This is probably my number one reason for poorly exposed shots.

Please don’t depart too heavily from the 5DII in terms of interface and usage. I don’t have to think when I pick up my 5DII, please don’t change that!

It looks like, according to japanese site DC Watch Impress (Google translated here). In addition, the site claims that all the accessories for the 1D X will also be available in late April. «Delays in development» are the reason for the postponing (Canon Japan is cited as source).

As I wrote in a previous post, I like to see sample pics taken by non professionals. It is helpful to judge a camera’s performance. Let’s say it is a way to see what a cam can do in a “real world” setting.